Teaching Collections Team Leader

The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third largest academic library in the UK. Our vast and rich collections (both print and increasingly digital) help us to deliver a world-class library and information service for the University of Manchester. While our primary objective is to meet the learning, teaching and research needs of University members, we are also fully committed to widening access to our services to individual researchers, local schools and others in the regional community. 

The role 

The Teaching Collections team leads on the provision of all taught course resources, delivering our library reading list strategy with our one-stop shop reading list service, Reading Lists Online, including our institution-wide eTextbook Programme. Working closely with colleagues across the Collection Strategies Directorate, the Teaching Collections team also has strong links with our Faculty Engagement Team and Teaching, Learning and Students division, as well as working with teaching staff throughout the University. 

The team are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Team Leader to line manage the team delivering our reading list service which supports staff and students across the University. You will be expected to:

• Line manage a team of six Reading List Assistants and one Teaching Collections Coordinator
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Library to ensure the effective and efficient running of our busy Reading Lists Service
• Proactively liaise with academic staff across the University to efficiently respond to enquiries and escalate issues
• Work well under pressure during busy periods of the year
• Liaise with external stakeholders to develop our systems

You will be joining a friendly, high-performing team committed to delivering the Library’s Reading List Strategy. You will support the Teaching Collections and eTextbook Programme Manager in the delivery of all services related to the provision of reading list resources. You will have significant  experience in all aspects of line management, including performance management, leading people through change, as well as motivating and developing individuals within teams. You will be an approachable leader with excellent communication and digital skills, and a customer-focused approach to work. You will thrive on working with people and have high levels of emotional intelligence.

The ideal candidate will also have experience of the provision of online reading lists and book acquisition processes within an academic library, with proven experience of using reading list and library management systems. It would also be beneficial to have a good understanding of the range of book purchasing and eBook licencing models available to academic libraries, and experience of analysing pricing models and negotiating with suppliers.

The benefits 

• Market-leading pension scheme 
• Excellent starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays 
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period 
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers 

Hours & Place of Work 

Normal working hours are 35 hours per week. The Library operates within a hybrid working framework and this role has been categorised as ‘Hybrid’, which requires regular campus-based work but offers the flexibility for some remote working. The role will include a mixture of on-campus and remote working with a requirement to work on campus two days per week.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from people who have Black, Asian or Ethnic minority heritage or backgrounds, who are currently under-represented at this level. All appointments will be made on merit.   

We welcome enquiries about the vacancy and encourage you to get in touch if you would like an informal chat about the role.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered              

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Helen Foster

Email: helen.foster@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

Jobtrain: 0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria. You should demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria required in the person specification by giving specific examples in the “additional information” section of the online application form.